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As summer peaks, Anaheim and Orange County offer vibrant activities and events for visitors and locals alike. Whether you want to attend lively festivals, catch a game, or enjoy the local OC culture, August in Anaheim promises plenty of action-packed activities. Here’s our curated guide of the top things happening around the OC. So, grab your sunglasses, pack your bags, and let's dive into the season!
Summer Concerts at the Park
Anaheim Summer Night Series – Thursdays in August
Pearson Park Amphitheater will host free tribute concerts every Thursday in August, including acts honoring Selena (August 2), Michael Jackson (August 9), the British Invasion (August 16), and No Doubt (August 23). Reserve your spot in advance and bring a picnic and a blanket for a laid-back night under the stars. Shows kick off at 7:00 p.m.!
OC Parks Outdoor Film Screenings — Fridays in August
Several Orange County parks will host free outdoor movie screenings throughout August. Admission is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- August 1 – Twisters at Laguna Niguel Regional Park
- August 8 – The Greatest Showman at Laguna Niguel Regional Park
- August 15 – Elemental at Irvine Regional Park
- August 22 – Shrek at Irvine Regional Park
- August 29 – Moana 2 at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
More summer events are heating up, click here to find your next fun-filled outing!
Top Attractions in Anaheim
The FitExpo Anaheim – August 2-3
Fitness enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike can check out the latest in wellness gear, martial arts demos, strength competitions, and coaching sessions at TheFitExpo, held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Move your body and learn from the county’s top fitness experts!
Sugar Lane Dessert Festival – August 16
Downtown Anaheim’s Center Street Promenade will host the Sugar Lane Dessert Festival on Saturday, August 16, featuring more than 40 local sweets vendors offering artisanal cookies, cupcakes, ice cream, and chocolate creations. It’s a perfect summer evening spent indulging in dessert under the stars (and yes, it’s free to attend!)
Angels Baseball Games in August
Summer and baseball go hand-in-hand, so why not catch an Angels game this August? The team has several homestands this month, offering a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. Enjoy America’s favorite pastime with hot dogs, nachos, and the exciting atmosphere of a live baseball game. All Saturday night games in August will feature a fireworks show after the game, and the team has plenty of promotions planned throughout the month, including bobblehead and rally monkey giveaways and a kids-run-the-bases event. Plan your visit with the Angels' complete game schedule and cheer on our hometown team!
Best Family-Friendly Theme Parks and Attractions
Summer at Knott’s Berry Farm
Don’t miss Knott's Berry Farm's special events before summer ends. Brace yourself for the return of Ghost Town Alive!, a summer spectacle complete with bandits, cowboys, robberies, judges, and a good ol' fashioned western hoedown. Guests can venture into the cherished town of Calico and embark on an authentic Western adventure. Also, catch Knott's Summer Nights packed with live music, unique summer food offerings, Instagram-able photo opportunities, interactive experiences, family-friendly games and a summer night party!
Splash Around at Knott’s Soak City
Summer in SoCal continues and the best way to spend the day is in the water. Experience Orange County’s largest water park, Knott’s Soak City. With 23 waterslides, a large wave pool and one of the world’s longest water park lazy rivers, Knott’s Soak City is the perfect action-packed attraction for the whole family. The park is open until early September.
View a complete list of water parks in Orange County here.
Live Entertainment and Festivals in Orange County, CA
Spend a Day at the Orange County Fair
Indulge your senses at the annual Orange County Fair! Running through August 18 in Costa Mesa, the OC Fair offers a mix of carnival rides, games, live entertainment, and delicious grub. This year’s theme, “Always a Good Time!” promises a fun-filled experience for all ages. Expect plenty of activities in August, including live concerts, karaoke events, magic shows, eating contests, a 5K run and daily pig races! Food enthusiasts can savor unique treats like Bacon Churro Fries alongside classic fair favorites like funnel cakes and turkey legs. The fair only happens once a year, so August is your last chance to catch all the action!
Read our Insider’s Guide to the OC Fair for tips and event information.
San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival
Love music and charming coastal cities? You will not want to miss the San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival packed with live performances, food, drinks and exciting activities! On August 11th from 10am – 7pm, three stages will fill up with the sounds of rock, reggae and country music for a continuous wave of entertainment all evening long. With arts and crafts exhibits, a “Kid’s Zone” and dozens of local food vendors, this event is guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Pageant of the Masters - Through August 29
This summer’s Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach brings the California coast to life with “Gold Coast: Treasures of California.” Running nightly through August 29, the 2025 production recreates iconic artworks and landmarks from across the state using live models, elaborate sets, and striking stagecraft. Get your tickets here.
OC Wine & Spirit Fest – August 9
Sample locally made wines and dine under the stars at the OC Wine & Spirit Fest, hosted by Giracci Vineyards and Cowboy Canyon Winery in Silverado. Enjoy unlimited tastings, food trucks, live music, dancing, a charity action and more!
Pacific Symphony Summerfest
This August, Pacific Symphony’s SummerFest series brings open-air orchestral performances to Irvine’s Great Park Live. This month’s concert schedule includes:
August 2 – Star Wars: The Force Awakens In Concert
August 8 – Beethoven’s Emperor & Pictures at an Exhibition
August 23 – Disco Fever: Let’s Dance!
Sea Country Festival – August 22–24
Sea Country Festival returns August 22 to 24 with tons of free beachside entertainment. Expect live bands, carnival rides, food stalls, and family-friendly entertainment. Admission is free.
30th Annual Plum Festival – August 24
Embrace German plum traditions on Sunday, August 24, with music, plum-themed treats, and local vendors at the Huntington Beach Plum Festival. The event is family friendly and admission is free. Dance to German polkas and indulge in a celebration of all-things fruit!
Huntington Beach Civil War Days – August 30–31
Step into history at Civil War Days from August 30 and 31 at Huntington Central Park. Watch battle reenactments, explore living-history camps, enjoy 19th century era treats, and learn about 1860s life firsthand!
Events Calendars & Itineraries
If you’ll be in Anaheim this August, now’s the time to start planning. Browse our lodging options, check hotel availability, and map out your ideal itinerary. Stay tuned for more events and enjoy the perfect end of summer in Orange County.
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